DELAND - For the second year, Volusia County public school students are gearing up to fight influenza as part of the joint partnership between the Volusia County Schools, Florida Department of Health in Volusia County and Healthy Schools, LLC.  The voluntary program is called “Teach Flu a Lesson" and is designed to immunize all students who provide signed parental consent forms.

“Teach Flu a Lesson is a proven initiative that improves the health of students,” said Tony Boselli, Healthy Schools' founder. “We are delighted to provide flu vaccine to students in Volusia County public schools again this year.”

Flu immunizations will be administered by Healthy School’s nurses free of charge to students in every Volusia County public school with parental consent October 21 - 29.

“This is an excellent opportunity for our students to get their flu vaccines while at school,” said Mr. James T. Russell, superintendent of Volusia County Schools.  “Many students miss valuable instructional time because of cold and flu.  This program will protect our students from influenza, helping to keep them healthy and in school.”

Bringing flu vaccines into schools has proven to be an effective way to increase the vaccination rates for children in Florida. “Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that can cause mild to severe illness,” said Ron Rondeau, interim administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County. “Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.

In addition to getting vaccinated, other flu prevention tips include staying away from sick people and washing hands to reduce the spread of germs. Those who are sick with flu are encouraged to stay home from work or school to prevent spreading influenza to others.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

SCHOOL DISTRICT:

Nancy Wait, 386-822-2417, nhwait@volusia.k12.fl.us

HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONTACT:

Stefany Strong, 386-274-0838, Stefany.Strong@flhealth.gov 

HEALTHY SCHOOLS, LLC:

Caroline Wiles, 904-562-9843, Caroline.S.Wiles@gmail.com